CalChurches 
In this political moment, it is easy to despair, even for church folks. One of the greatest gifts the church has to offer, though, is hope, which is needed now more than ever.
International Day of Peace is September 21, and at the recommendation of one of our faithful supporters, the Oakland Peace Center (OPC) would like to invite you to participate in Peace Sunday on the Sunday before, September 17.
I’m writing to ask that you consider incorporating themes of peace into worship on September 17, and if you’re able, share some information about the Oakland Peace Center and even consider taking a special offering. Here’s the blog post describing Peace Sunday in a little more detail, and here’s where you can sign up. If you are local and would like a speaker from the OPC, that is also an option. Also, please feel free to share with your church friends and colleagues. If you would like to learn more about the Oakland Peace Center (a collective of forty organizations working together to create equity, access and dignity as the means of creating peace), these videos capture a little of our story: the OPC emerged from First Christian Church of Oakland and in this political era we hold fast to the value of love over hate in some very concrete ways.
If this isn’t interesting to you, there’s another fun way to support peace and possibly the Oakland Peace Center in September: the Reading is Resistance Readathon happening all across the country! Click here for more details on that. Sign up is still in process. 🙂
With deep gratitude for the many ways you are working for peace in a time of war,
Sandhya Jha, director
the Oakland Peace Center
The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
2017 Worldwide Theme: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All
The Oakland Peace Center, with St. Mary’s Center, will host a community gathering on September 21. Join the OPC email list for details.
